Biomedical subjects

S Towers

Publications and source records attributed to S Towers.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1998

Human vascular smooth muscle cells express receptors for CC chemokines.

Arteriosclerotic lesions are characterized by the accumulation of T lymphocytes and monocytes and the proliferation of intimal smooth muscle cells. Expression of the chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP- 1) has been observed in arteriosclerotic plaques and has been proposed to mediate the transendothelial migration of mononuclear cells. More recently, MCP-1 has been proposed to affect the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). We have used reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to investigate chemokine mRNA expression in human arteriosclerotic lesions obtained from surgical biopsy of diseased vascular tissue and show, in addition to MCP-1, expression of the chemokine macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha (MIP-1alpha) at higher levels than in "normal" aortic tissue. We have also used RT-PCR to characterize the expression of known chemokine receptors by primary human VSMCs. Messenger RNA for the MIP-1alpha/RANTES receptor, CCR-1, and the MCP-1/MCP-3 receptor, CCR-2, was expressed by unstimulated VSMCs grown under serum-free culture conditions for 24 hours. The receptors CCR-3, CCR-4, CCR-5, CXCR-1, and CXCR-2 were not expressed by VSMCs. The presence of functionally coupled receptors for MIP-1alpha on VSMCs was demonstrated by specific binding of biotinylated MIP-1alpha and increases in intracellular Ca2+ levels after exposure to this chemokine. Taken together, these results suggest that chemokines are likely to be involved in arteriosclerosis and may play a role in modulating the function of VSMCs in vivo.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

Sorted.

Each year in Accident and Emergency an increasing number of young people present with acute problems related to social drugs. These problems range from mild symptoms to life-threatening conditions, many of which can be extremely difficult and time consuming for staff to manage. It has become apparent that as with sex the experimental age for taking drugs is getting younger as youths are now far more 'streetwise' than their predecessors. This is one of the main reasons for this paper being written; it is imperative that staff are equipped with the appropriate knowledge to deal with the challenge and are educated about the problems associated with current drug trends. This potentially improves the quality of care and, in turn, good communication improves relationships. Ecstasy is once again becoming increasingly popular within mainstream clubs, as recently highlighted in the media, and with it reappear its problems. This article discusses the historical aspects of Ecstasy and aims to educate staff about its use and effects and provides health promotion advice for those who are involved in the care of people who take Ecstasy.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1992

Cervical screening: what do Auckland general practitioners do?

AIMS: To assess the frequency of cervical screening; average age of screened women and adequacy of decontamination practices of vaginal specula by Auckland general practitioners. METHODS: A random sample of 96 Auckland general practitioners completed a questionnaire at the time of consultation describing the screening history and decontamination practices for vaginal specula from five consecutive patients having a cervical smear test. RESULTS: Of the 96 doctors 68 completed the questionnaire for the five consecutive patients. The majority of women were aged below 50 years and the median time since the last smear for women with a previously normal smear was 18 months. Although the majority of doctors adhered to Health Department guidelines for decontamination, deviations occurred by: reusing plastic specula; using only disinfection as a means of decontamination and not boiling specula for 30 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of women being screened are young and there is a high level of very frequent screening in women with previously normal smears. Closer adherence to the 1991 cervical screening recommendations and Health Department guidelines for decontamination of vaginal specula is required for some Auckland general practitioners.

Adolescent↗